versatile

Shopping and Dressing in 2020 Has Changed.... Versatility is Key

 

These days most of us are doing the majority of our retail shopping online. The experience of shopping online is unique to that of being in a store. You can’t feel the fabric or try it on. Colors sometime look different online than they do in person. Even if a style is shown on a model she may not have the same body type as you so it can be hard to tell what will flatter you.

In spite of these drawbacks, there are a few perks to shopping online. In addition to shopping at times that are convenient to you from the comfort of your home, you can easily price check items for the best deal. If you can’t find the size you need at the site you’re on, it’s fairly easy to search for that same item across the web for the size you need.

So what are you shopping for? Our wardrobe needs have changed during this pandemic. We’re spending more time “at home” which allows us to indulge in our leisure-wear. But many of us are back to some kind of routine… whether we’re back to work in a classroom/school, running our small businesses, going to work in new ways, participating in “socially distant” activities … our lives are taking us in all kinds of directions and we’re looking for a wardrobe that can keep up!

To support all these different activities and changing routines, we need versatility. We need to have a sweater that can be paired with a skirt, jeans and sweatpants! We need fashionable sneakers and jeans that are both functional and trendy! We need to have fun with our wardrobe in a time that is so dark and feels so monotonous.

When the pandemic began, I lived in my leisurewear for months. I was homebound and lost. The summer brought us out of the house and into a fantastic warm weather wardrobe which for me personally was transforming. I needed that light to shine on me. As we head into winter once again, I have a different perspective. I realize that my energy and attitude when I get dressed for the day is more positive than when I shuffle around in sweats all day. When I look and feel put together, it makes a difference in my overall attitude.

Once you figure out what items will work best in your wardrobe, find the best way to obtain them. Shop around: try different styles, colors and sizes until you know what works best for you. Find the style you love and the fit that flatters you best. Here are a few of my favorites so far.

Loft Textured Cable Sweater

Loft Textured Cable Sweater

Pilcro Donna Tunic Pullover

Pilcro Donna Tunic Pullover

Nine West Bryson Block Heel Bootie

Nine West Bryson Block Heel Bootie

Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers in Leather & Spot Mix Calf Hair

Madewell Kickoff Trainer Sneakers in Leather & Spot Mix Calf Hair

BR Italian Wool Blend Sweater Tunic

BR Italian Wool Blend Sweater Tunic

J. Crew 9” Demi Boot Crop Jean

J. Crew 9” Demi Boot Crop Jean

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Signature Softblend Sweatshirt

J. Crew Factory: Button-collar Pullover Sweatshirt

J. Crew Factory: Button-collar Pullover Sweatshirt

 

Build your best wardrobe... starting with loungewear

As fall sets in it’s time to get cozy! I’ve been asked about loungewear more often as the temps gets cooler. People seem to be getting ready to ride out the fall in comfort. Sounds good to me!

Sometimes we need our loungewear to pull double-duty. I love to put on something comfortable for the day when I know I’ll be close to home. But I also want to look put together enough that if I need to run a few errands in the middle of the day, I don’t feel like I’m going out in my pajamas. The right loungewear can be both comfortable and stylish for home or out. There are plenty of places we’re running to these days… we’re always moving even if it’s just in small bursts. You need clothes that fit your lifestyle.

As always, versatility is key! Make that wardrobe work for you. The effort doesn’t have to be in picking a perfect outfit every morning. Fill your closet with clothes that work together and flatter you. When that’s your closet, it doesn’t matter what you pick in the morning …. it will all look great. Often the issue is that we settle for clothes that look only “ok”. Instead we should demand that anything filling our closet fit additional criteria: Is it flattering on my body type? Is it an item that I can wear on more than one occasion? Does it pair well with other items in my closet?

Start being more selective about the clothes you buy and you’ll find that getting dressed is easier and you’ll consistently feel good about what you’re wearing. With this in mind… let’s start with some comfortable and stylish pieces to make your loungewear a versatile option in your closet!

J. Crew Polartec Sherpa Fleece

Polartec Sherpa Fleece

J. Crew Supercozy Puff-sleeve Pullover

Supercozy Puff-sleeve Pullover

Button Collar Pullover Sweatshirt

Button Collar Pullover Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Softblend Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Softblend Sweatshirt

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Plush Upstate Sweatpant

Lou & Grey Signaturesoft Plush Upstate Sweatpant

Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece

Abercrombie & Fitch Asymmetrical Snap-Up Fleece

The Sister Studio x A&F Cozy Waffle Hoodie

The Sister Studio x A&F Cozy Waffle Hoodie

Summer sandals at a discount!

I’ve been a fan of Cole Haan for years. I originally fell in love with their shoes when they first created a pump with Nike Air technology. What woman wouldn’t love that?!! I had a pair of black patent leather open toe sling back pumps that I wore to almost every wedding I attended in my 20s! When your friends are all getting married around the same time, you need a pair of heels that can last all night on the dance floor. My Cole Haan sling backs were those shoes!

While those shoes got me through so many occasions… I eventually wore them out. I also had a pair of flat sandals with Nike Air technology which I wore less often and still have today. I love the durability of Cole Haan shoes as much as their comfort. So, when I saw a deal last week to purchase two pairs of Cole Hann sandals for $60, I jumped on it! Fortunately, I found plenty of sizes available in styles that I loved.

I received my two pairs of sandals quickly after ordering. They are not only comfortable but also highly stylish and versatile. Are you sold yet?!! If you happen to be in the market for a new pair of sandals, check out the inventory at Cole Haan for your footwear needs! These sandals can easily be dressed up or down for whatever the rest of this summer has in store for you!

Flora Thong Sandal

Flora Thong Sandal

Marieta Wedge Sandal

Marieta Wedge Sandal

Farrow Slide Sandal

Farrow Slide Sandal

Maddie Open Toe Wedge

Maddie Open Toe Wedge

Jamala Block Heel Sandal

Jamala Block Heel Sandal

Finley Grand Sandal

Finley Grand Sandal